Sunday, November 27, 2011

College sophomore Bryn Dawson is a
self-proclaimed poster child for normal. However, the day William Hayward enters
her life, normalcy is the last thing Bryn will be able to count on if she wants
to be with him. Too mysterious and appealing to be good for a girl, Bryn feels
drawn to him in a way that seems out of her control—as if fate is orchestrating
it.Despite every red flag and warning siren going off in her head telling
her not to, Bryn falls hard for William, knowing he’s categorically different
from anyone she’s ever met. She never imagined how right she was. When William
takes her deeper into the rabbit hole of his world, Bryn must decide just how
much she is willing to sacrifice to be with him, knowing no matter what, fate
always finds a way to have the last laugh.Spinning a new twist on
star-crossed lovers, Eternal Eden will put Bryn through a gauntlet of turmoil,
challenging her to find the power within herself to become the heroine in her
own story

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I'm not even sure how to write a review for this book. I
loved it so much that I'll either write too much and babble, or I'll write too
little to avoid spoiling what is perhaps now my favorite book of all
time.Lots of people have compared this book to Twilight and I can see why.
But the stories and characters are totally different. Course there are
similarities, but to compare the two isn't really fair. (P.S. I like this book
better! =P lol)

I have to admit, I am a sucker for the whole
'star-crossed' lover theme which is exactly what this book is about; it's a
sappy love story between two star-crossed lovers. Its an addicting, beautifully
written love story. It contains all the elements of a wonderful read from the
well developed characters to the shock inducing, page turning, stomach churning
twists. But don't let yourself be turned off by the words sappy love
story. With its paranormal story line, from page one it was destined to be
more than just another sappy love story.

The characters were all unique and very likeable,
that is with the expectation of the filthy slime ball John Townshend. More than
once I felt the intense urge to shove him off a cliff with sharp pointy rocks at
the bottom. Harsh maybe? Nah, I don't think so. If you read the book, then you'd
know why I experienced such thoughts whenever this nauseating man entered the
picture. Bryn Dawson, our leading lady; I liked her a lot. She was easy to
relate to and led a rather tough life. She was rather insecure about herself,
but despite that, was always turning heads, though she could never understand
what guys saw in her. William was our swoon worthy Romeo. His love for Bryn is
so real and true that you can't not love him. He was so protective of him and so
sweet, it makes a girl wonder if there is a William out there for her. Although,
he had a kind of creepy Edward stalker vibe going on, but after reading the
book, I can understand where he was coming from. Patrick! He's cocky, annoying,
frustrating, immature...I love him! And then there is Paul...I kind of felt bad
for him, though I didn't realize he cared so much for Bryn.

This book kept me guessing, laughing, and I'll admit,
crying. It was amazing! I'm choosing not to write more because i don't want to
spoil the story. I went into this book blind, and so should you. I got this book
on my Kindle for free! I would gladly have paid more for it,
but will make up for it by buying the next two books in the series.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Hey everyone, sorry for the lack of updates coming from my end. I've been super busy and haven't had the time to post much, or read for that matter. But, I am getting back into reading mode! I took advantage of this lovely week long break the school board allowed us and have quite a few reviews to share with you guys. Hopefully I'll get them up soon.

Also, my 18th birthday is Tuesday (the 29th) and I got a Kindle Fire, which my mom allowed me to have early. I'm in love with it! Just thought I'd share that little tid-bit with you all. ;D

So now that you all know I am still here and not MIA, I'll get started on getting my reviews back up for you guys. Be on the look out for them soon!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I know this post has nothing to do with books, but I just wanted to help spread around cancer awareness.

My grandpa has been struggling with cancer now for quite some time. It comes and it goes; it seems like a cycle: they find the cancer, they remove it, he's good for a while, but it comes back.

Today, he had to undergo yet another surgical procedure to remove the cancerous lump in his jaw and it was worse than they thought it was.

He's alright now, but must attend chemo/radiation therapy again, and will be in pain for quite some time.

I wanted to share this with you in hopes that it would help spread some cancer awareness. Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them, and die when the body doesn't need them. Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too quickly. It can also occur when cells forget how to die. There are many different kinds of cancers. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve tissue.There are many causes of cancers, including:

Benzene and other chemicals

Drinking excess alcohol

Environmental toxins, such as certain poisonous mushrooms and a type of poison that can grow on peanut plants (aflatoxins)

Excessive sunlight exposure

Genetic problems

Obesity

Radiation

Viruses

However, the cause of many cancers remains unknown.

If you have a loved one, or know anyone struggling with cancer, feel free to share your story. :)﻿

Monday, November 14, 2011

Seventeen-year-old Holly Mullen has felt lost and lonely ever since her boyfriend, Rob, died in a tragic accident. The fact that she has to spend most of her free time caring for her little sister and Alzheimer’s-stricken grandfather doesn’t help. But Holly has no idea that as she goes about her days, Rob’s ghost is watching over her. He isn’t happy when he sees his best friend, Jason, reach out to help Holly with her grandfather—but as a ghost, he can do nothing to stop it. Is his best friend really falling for his girlfriend?

As Holly wonders whether to open her heart to Jason, the past comes back to haunt her. Her grandfather claims to be communicating with the ghost of Rob. Could the messages he has for Holly be real? And if so, how can the loved ones Rob left behind help his tortured soul make it to the other side?

Told from the perspectives of Holly, Jason, and Rob,Wherever You Go is is a poignant story about making peace with the past, opening your heart to love, and finding the courage to move forward into the light.

So I absolutely fell in love with Heather Davis' writing the moment I read The Clearing. It was such an amazing book that I knew that anything else written by Davis would be just as great. I have literally been pining over this book, waiting for it to come out and now that it has, I must get my hands on it. And I will, one way or another. I do happen to have a birthday coming up... ;D

Sunday, November 13, 2011

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

Reasons I want to read this book:

I read the first two books in this series and thought they were great

Dying to know what's going to happen next in this series

Also need to know whether she's going to stay with Ash because, if you haven't noticed already, I'm Team Puck (yes I feel silly picking teams, but I do prefer Puck and have coem to the conclusion that if Meghan stays with Ash then I will gladly take Puck off her hands :D)

﻿﻿﻿When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.And a curse.When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

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So when I first saw this book, I knew I just HAD to read it. The cover itself was incentive enough; it's being gorgeous and all. But the story inself was intriguing and I knew I just had to get my hands on it. So I did (finally!) yesterday, and could not put it down. I had pretty high expectations for this book and I was not let down. Kim Harrington did an excellent job with her debut novel, which delievered a fun, fresh story that was also daring and suspenseful.

Clarity "Clare" Fern's family is anything but ordinary. Her mother, brother, and herself all have unique psychic abilities--her mother can read minds, her brother is a medium, and Clare can see people's past with just a touch. The Fern family live in the small town of Eastport, where they run a family psychic reading business, and are considered freaks by locals, but adored by tourists. The little cape town is a tourist trap during certain times of the years so for the most part the family does really well. But when a teenage girl visiting the town is murdered in a local motel, things get strange. Clare is asked by her ex-boyfriend, Justin, to help solve the murder, by going behind the scenes. The two of them work with the new hot-shot detective's son (who just so happens to be strikingly handsome) to solve the case. Things get especially tough when Clare's brother Perry become's the police's top murder suspect.

Clare is an extremely likeable character. She just like a normal teenage girl, boy troubles and all, only she happens to have a awesome gift. Unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way.Her gift has actually interfered with her ability to make friends. Her closet friends are her brother and his best friend Nate. She's witty, and always has snarky comebacks for those who mess with her or her loved ones. She also does not put up with those who mock their abilities. Perry was a bit of a player...okay not just a bit, he was a player, but he wasn't really a jerk. He was just...well, he was just an 18 year old guy, need I say more? I loved the close bond they had; you see it alot throughout the book.

And now, the guys. The inevitable love triangle. Well, there's the majorly sweet and smittened ex Justin, and then the mysterious and handsome Gabriel. As with all love triangles, you will be torn between these guys. Its no wonder Clare is so confused by her feelings. Both seem like great guys. I really liked Justin. When you find out why Clare broke up with him, you feel like you want to hate him, but he's so sweet and cares so much for her, that's it hard to. He made a mistake, one that Clare cannot forgive, but hopefully she'll be able to look past that one day. And Gabriel, he has a little past of his own. It's sad really. But because of this, he's very doubtful towards Clare's abilities and doesn't have much confidence in them at first. So naturally, they're attracted to eachother.

Overall, Clarity is an amazing book! It has the paranormal aspect, which is great, but its more of a mystery with a twist. And the love trianlge is always a plus, leaving you wonder, Who will she end up with? I am defintely eager to get my hands on the next book, but alas, it will have to wait until March 2012 :( What ever will I do with myself until then? Lol so anyway, if you have not yet read this book, DO IT NOW! You will not regret it. This is going down as one of my all time favorites.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Friday, November 4, 2011

Someone's been a very bad zombie.Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steriods are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate! She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town . . . and stay hormonally human.

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So I hate to admit, the cover of this book played a big part in my reading it. I mean, the frosted lips? It was eerie and creepy, and made me wonder what it meant. Unfortunately, I have no idea what it means; I have no idea what the cover had to do with the book. I read it, but don't get it. Not that that's so important I suppose. It just sort of bugged me.

This book...well, I didn't have great expectations for it. Zombies aren't really my thing so I wasn't really picturing anything too spectacular. In fact, after watching the book trailer, I had very low expectations. The video was SO corny it was hilarious. So instead of turning me off, it made me want to read it even more. Everyone needs a mindless read every once in a while, right? (ha, mindless...zombies...xD)

And that's exactly what this is: a mindless read. But that doesn't mean it was bad. I actually sort of liked Kate. She was smart, and mildly amusing. She was a tad naive at times, but when your school is full of zombies crying, "Braaaaiiiinnnnsss!" and are trying to chew off your leg, then you're allowed to be clueless and stupid. Aaron wasn't too bad of a guy either. I, however, LOVED Jonah. His little crush on Kate's friend Rocky was adorable, even if he was 15 years old and a total dork xP

I did laugh a couple times throughout the story, especially at the Twilight puns. There were two of them; those were my favorite parts honestly. The rest of the jokes were okay, sometimes I laughed just at how silly they were, not because they were actually funny.

I didn't want to give this book a harsh review, because it wasn't horible. It was enjoyable, even if pointless. I knew what it would be like going into it, so I wasn't surprised. It was actually a bit better than I thought.

Overall, I don't think I'll read another zombie book, at least, anytime soon. I feel like they'll all be like this one and while it was fun, I want something with a little substance...and a lot less puking...(gross!)

Nimira is a music-hall performer forced to dance for pennies to an audience of leering drunks. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to do a special act - singing accompaniment to an exquisite piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets stir.

Unsettling below-stairs rumours abound about ghosts, a mad woman roaming the halls, and of Parry's involvement in a gang of ruthless sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing young fairy gentleman is trapped inside the automaton's stiff limbs, waiting for someone to break the curse and set him free, the two fall in love. But it is a love set against a dreadful race against time to save the entire fairy realm, which is in mortal peril.﻿Reasons I want read this book:

It sounds really interesting.

Magic, fairies, a curse, and forbidden love? Definitely my kind of book ;)

I like putting trailers up for the books I'm reading, that way you guys can get a better look at the book. Not neccessary to watch them, but I hope you guys enjoy them :) Anyway, this is the trailer for the book, but it really doesn't say anything about it.

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So I finished Bad Taste In Boys, and I'm working on the review now. Expect that up in a few hours!﻿

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steriods are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate! She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town . . . and stay hormonally human.

Why am I reading this?:

Honestly, I don't know xD

It's a rather short read, sounds like it could be amusing

Recommended to me by a friend on GoodReads

So I'm actually 40 pages away from finishing this book. I won't say much about it because I'll put all that in my review but I will say there are parts where I just couldn't help but laugh. Also, I came across the so-called official trailer for the book on YouTube and it's hilarious, mainly because it's SUPER corny. (The book is actually better than the trailer depicts) but I'm putting here for your, and my own, amusement :D Enjoy, and be prepared to laugh! (or not...)

Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It’s 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they’re sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.

Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He’s in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it’s because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

In Fateful, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray delivers paranormal adventure, dark suspense, and alluring romance set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic’s first—and last—voyage.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Why I had to read this book: --The cover itself is AMAZING! However, like they say, don't judge a book by its cover --I've been hearing such great reviews from my fellow GoodReaders (if that's a word xP) --I'm a huge fan of Claudia Gray. Her Evernight series is one of my all time favorite series, so naturally I have to read everything else she writes :D Claudia Gray's Evernight series is by far one of my favorite series; especially when it comes to books about vampires. So when I heard that Gray was coming out with another book, I just HAD to read it. I had very big expectations for this novel. Mainly because of Gray's previous novels, and also because the whole story-line itself completely peaked my interest. The Titanic with a twist? Sounds awesome right? Of course it does ;)

But as we know, the Titanic does not end well for everyone. People die, or lose loved ones. So going into this story, I knew I was in for some heartbreaking moments.

The heroine of the story, Tess, has to be my favorite heroine from any novel I've ever read so far. She has been working as a servant girl for a wealthy English family for the past few years. She's strong, and doesn't want for things to be handed to her; she works for what she wants. She knew, as a servant, what her self value was, but she also knew that even a servant deserves a life of freedom and happiness. A huge plus (at least for me) was that fact that she was not a whiny crybaby like some other female leads. I get so irriatated when I'm reading a book and all the character does is whine and complain and act helpless. Sure they're allowed to be vulnerable and have their moments every once in a while, but not throughout the whole book. Tess stood up for herself, when she knew the time was right, and took what came at her with a straight face.

Alec. I admit I thought he was kind of a jerk at first, but then again, it alwaysstarts off like that. As his relationship with Tess began to grow, I couldn't help but grow to love him. He has had such a hard life and feels guilty all the time for what he is. At one point, Tess says that the two of them probably wouldn't be together if he wasn't a werewolf. I suppose that is true. Servants in the early 1900s were definitely not allowed to marry wealthy noblemen, but the idea of them not ending up together kind of makes me sad. I think they're so sweet together.

I think Gray did a fantastic job depicting the lives of people during the early 20th century. She showed us the life of a servant and their employers, and how society back then ran. She also beautifully turned the Titanic love story into an even greater epic. Everything appeared very well researched and factual so it's obvious she put a lot of time and effort into this story.

I have to say, this is probably my favorite book by Claudia Gray, or at least, tied with Evernight. I cannot wait for her next project! This book gets a 5 out of 5 :D